The Scottish Rugby Union have stepped up their search for a new national coach by advertising the position within the rugby media.

Former coach Frank Hadden stepped down from his post last week after his struggling side recorded only a single win, over Italy at Murrayfield, during the 2009 Six Nations and therefore failed to hit their minimum target of two wins for the second year running.

Candidates to replace Hadden, who held the position for four years, have until Monday, April 20 to submit their applications with former England coach Andy Robinson, and now Edinburgh boss, favourite to get the nod.

Robinson is currently deciding whether or not to apply and is set to reveal his decision when he returns from holiday next week. Glasgow boss Sean Lineen - a former Scotland international - is also thought to be in the frame but he has so far refused to confirm his interest.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie last week insisted the board would not be rushed into an appointment and that the search for candidates would be worldwide and regardless of nationality.

In terms of the criteria needed to fill the vacancy, the advert for the role states, "The role requires powerful motivational and leadership skills as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be able to understand the requirements of managing and coaching a rugby team comprising home-based and 'exile' players and be able to develop and implement the strategies to cope with these demands."

Meanwhile, the SRU were today forced to take drastic action after an "unprecedented" demand for tickets for Scotland's home matches in next season's Six Nations. The first batch of tickets for the Murrayfield games against England and France went on sale on the SRU's website this afternoon, 10 months before the fixtures take place.

The SRU were forced to implement a queuing system to ease congestion and, as of 4.30pm, 9,928 tickets had been bought for the Calcutta Cup clash on Saturday, March 13 (kick-off 5pm), while 2,505 tickets had been sold for Scotland's opening fixture against France on Sunday, February 7 (kick-off 3pm).